THE SITUATION IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 166, 25 July 1901, Page 3

THE SITUATION IN SOUTH AFRICA.

A FIGHT TO A FINISH. INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. (Special to Gisboenb Times.) Writing from Krugersdorp on June 15th, Mr A. J. Cox, of Gisborne, states: — The guerilla strife may continue for a few months longer, or it may conceivably, in the last resort, extend its blighting influence over a period of many months; but, whichever ease may represent the true indez to the progress of future events, it will be met by the British race with the same cheerful optimism which marked their earliest efforts; the same dogged tenacity which was exhibited during the gloomiest periods of the contest, ft is a fight to a finish, and nothing less than a clean “ knock out ” will decide the battle. Meanwhile the process of exhaustion goes on steadily, little by little the enemy grows weaker, at times receiving a blow from which he visibly staggers. He is winded, his attacks lack the vital force which would render them effective, and the inevitable termination of the struggle, no matter for how long it may be procrastinated, is doubtful only to those who have eyes and will not see. THE FRIENDSHIP OF NATIONS.

Writing to the Times in an impassioned appeal to the Boers to surrender, “Africander,” a doughty Boer champion, urges that they should be completely disillusioned as to the friendship and generosity of other nations. He recognises that the only hope of freedom and safety and a prosperous future is under the British flag. And Mr

Kruger is reported to be speculating—not as to the future of his countrymen, not as to a favorable “political opportunity,” but—in American rails. BRITISH MAKING STEADY PROGRESS-

The news from various areas of operations from which reports have been received of late is favorable—and indeed nothing could tend to unfavorably affect this phase of the war, in view of the fact that every week must tend to lessen the enemy’s numbers, to deplete their supplies and weaken their power of resistance—even their successes count against them because they must invariably be accompanied by loss. General Dixon’s force, operating a week or two back, was engaged at a point not far west of here. He was marching to Watervnl when Kemp, in command of Delarey’s men, undor cover of smoke from the veldt, which they had fired, crept on his rear, and the battle started. The firing could be plainly heard from here. Our losses were—killed, 0 officers and 59 men, wounded, 118; and the Boer losses, killed G2, picked up on the veldt afterwards, but the Boars had carried off their wounded. An ambulance train came in here to await the arrival of the wounded to take them to Johannesburg. They arrived here, five dying on the way in, and it was a pitiful sight to see the poor follows lying on the wagons.

BOERS STUBBORNLY RESIST. Sir Henry Rawlinson’s column has brought into Klerksdorp a number of Boer families, and the captures included 3000 cattle, 29,000 sheep, and 1000 horses. In tho N.W. Transvaal Colonel Wilson, with the 2nd Kitchener’s Scouts, by a wide turning movement, surprised Beyer’s advance commando of over •100 with supplies and herds of cattle west of Warm Baths. The Boers stubbornly resisted for a time, but the Scouts pressed the attack, and they broke and fled, leaving all their stores, wagons, and cattle, and 37 dead on the field. Our casualties were slight. The scouts took over 8000 cattle and 18 wagons, after burning all stores, wagons, etc. that could not be taken away, securing also 100 prisoners. The result of the fight leaves Beyer’s commando practically without supplies or transport. A few days ago Commandant Ilensburg was captured with 100 men, 100 rifles, and 10,000 rounds of ammunition.

AN EVENTFUL MARCH. Colonel Williams’ column, which left Klerksdorp about two or three weeks ago, has had much of incident to report after passing Rhenoster Spruit and Leeuwkop. Just beyond the latter place a party of Boers was sighted with a convoy of wagons. Our mounted men gave chase, and, though the Boers managed to escape with a portion of convoy, we captured 13 wagons containing women and children, and also some cattle and small stock. A little beyond Leeuwdoorn another convoy was sighted, and an exciting chase ensued, the Boers making strenuous efforts to get away and almost succeeding; but in trying to get through Koodboor drift on the Vaal their wagons blocked, and a fight took place. A hot fire was poured in from both sides, but none of our mon were hit, though a number of horse 3 wero.. Pompoms were brought into action, and the Boers oleared, leaving their whole convoy, consisting of 30 wagons, carts, and other vehicles. A number of prisoners wero also taken. During the week ending May 27 the total captures by this column comprised 18,000 sheep, 3000 cattle, a big mob of horses and donkeys, 190 wagons, 50 carts, and 27 prisoners. A lot of Boers also surrendered, among them being a brother of Commandant Potgieter. About 450 men, women, and children have been brought in and placed in the Boer refugee camp at Klerksdorp, also nearly 500 Kaffirs.

ANOTHER DUTCH YARN. Two Dutch women escaped from the refugee camp at Potchefstroom, and have spread tho report amongst those in the field that they should not go and surrender, as 10 to 20 persons are dying daily from hunger. Another Dutch yarn—Fifteen wagon-loads of Boer families have been taken in by General Bullock’s column from outlying farms in the Ermelo district to Standerton. Tho column was sniped at in the usual manner on the line of march. Dr Everard, who was brought in along with the rest, states that the burghers are heartily sick of fighting, and would surrender to a man if their leaders would permit them. CALMLY WAITING TO SURRENDER.

Benson’s Division, operating near Carolina, found the country rather bare of supplies and abounding in ravines in which the Boers when they happen to be caught calmly state they were waiting there for the arrival of the British in order to surrender. BOTHA’S SIX HUNDRED. Botha has GOO men under his command, and is north of Delagoa line. DeWet, Smuts, Delarey, aud most of the Boer generals have proceeded to interview Louis Botha with regard to peace. This statement is confirmed by surrendered burghers, and some of those in the field state that if peace is not shortly deolared they will all surrender. From Standerton we hear that Smuts, Delarey, and DeWet are waiting there (’?), it is presumed for an answer from Paul Kruger. I do not think this is reliable, but they may be waiting to interview Botha.

POSITION IN CAPE COLONY. Tho position in the Cape Colony has not much developed. The British captured a 20-pounder, 2GG horses, 13,000 rounds of ammunition, 2-5 rifles, clothing, 196 saddles, and 200 blankets. They also re-captured a lot of loot taken by the Boers at Jamestown. General French commands active operations in the whole colony, while Colonel Haig controls them in the Midlands and Eastern Province, so that there is every prospect of something decisive transpiring in more t’qan one direction. Numbers of the enemy have drifted to the Cape Colony, presumably owing to the advantages it possesses with regard to supplies. BOER LOSSES. The number of Boers killed, wounded, made prisoners, and surrendered during last month was 2640. From Ist June to 9th we have kilted 30, wounded 8, captured 409 prisoners, 651 rifles, 115,500 rounds of nition, 120 waggons, 40QQ horses, and 133' have siirrenderEd,